The Church’s Role and Place in the Kingdom of God

As we leave the Gospels where Jesus so powerfully preached, taught, and demonstrated the Kingdom of God, we enter the story of the Church. Most people look at Acts in this way, and they are accurate, but there is a greater story that we must understand if we are to have a full life in Christ now. Acts is the story of the Kingdom of God in operation and demonstration in the lives of normal people living out Christ in the Church.

Jesus spoke many times about the Kingdom but only a few times about the Church. His consuming passion was the Kingdom. Here are some truths about the Church in regard to The Kingdom of God.

1. The Church is Not the Kingdom. The Church is IN the Kingdom if it operates in cooperation with Kingdom principles and laws. Unfortunately, the Church can choose not to receive the Kingdom in faith. This leaves the Church with a pharisaical existence, which is religious activity with no power.
2. The Kingdom is greater than the Church, but the Church is part of the Kingdom. Kingdom citizens are members of the Church, but the Kingdom of God is defined by the rule and reign of the King (Jesus), not by its citizens and not by any geographical boundaries. In other words, everyone and everything that comes under the rule and reign of Christ is a part of the Kingdom of God.
3. The Church is called to manifest and advance the Kingdom. The Church is the body of Christ and every head demonstrates its life through its body. When the Church receives the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised, things begin to happen. The Kingdom of God is preached and signs and wonders follow.

Questions to consider:

What can you learn about the book of Acts from these verses?